Infrastructure Ontario releases request for proposals for vendor of record lists for architectural, engineering/technical and interior design services

TORONTO, Oct. 1, 2013 /CNW/ - Infrastructure Ontario has released
request for proposals for its vendor of record lists for architectural,
engineering/technical, and interior design services.

The vendor of record lists will replace Infrastructure Ontario's current
source lists for real estate projects and will improve service quality
and procurement efficiencies for clients and industry.

The new lists will be applied to construction-related projects with an
estimated consulting fee threshold of up to $500,000 for properties:

that are owned by the Ontario government,

that are leased by or from the Ontario government; or,

where the Ontario government has an interest.

The request for proposals are the first step in the procurement process
to develop lists of high quality vendors defined according to specific
project categories and cost thresholds. Vendors that qualify for the
lists would be invited to bid on projects during a three-year term.

Improvements to the vendor of record procurement include:

vendor caps to ensure highest quality vendors

a three-year term, with possible extension terms for continued service
excellence; and,

list rotation to provide vendors equal access to projects.

The procurement process will be open, fair and transparent to encourage
competition in the marketplace. The lists are being developed using
industry best practices and will align with procurement practices
across the Ontario government.

In September 2012, Infrastructure Ontario released a similar request for
proposals to establish a general contractors' vendor of record list for
real estate construction projects.

Infrastructure Ontario is a Crown agency of the Ontario government that
delivers large, complex infrastructure renewal projects on time and on
budget. Over the last six years, the Ontario government has applied
Infrastructure Ontario's alternative financing and procurement model to
83 major projects valued at approximately $38 billion, saving taxpayers
an estimated $3 billion. Infrastructure Ontario also manages one of the
largest real estate portfolios in Canada, provides municipalities and
eligible public sector clients with financing to renew public
infrastructure, and leverages its private-sector expertise to manage
major commercial transactions on behalf of the province.

"This is an important step in providing a stronger backbone for
delivering approximately $250 million annually in construction and
construction-related services and supporting thousands of jobs across
the province," said Toni Rossi, Executive Vice President, Real Estate Management,
Infrastructure Ontario. "The vendor of record lists will allow IO to retain the best qualified
firms in the industry and will provide local businesses the opportunity
to do work with us."